We often recognize our nurses for their exceptional care of patients. Sometimes, however, recognition is deserved by those who care for the caregivers. Great leadership goes above and beyond to show compassion and support for the holistic person of our frontline staff. Emily Butts exemplifies these crucial attributes. An example of this occurred recently when an employee knocked on her door covered in blood, not wearing a shirt, and holding the hand of her child. Her husband had been involved in severe trauma and she had removed her shirt to tourniquet the bleeding. He was in the OR in critical condition and this employee had no support, so in desperation, she sought out Emily.

Emily went to work. She arranged for both mom and daughter to shower, and gave mom clean scrubs and the little girl clean clothes. She arranged for their supper and quickly involved the patient experience and Restore. She stayed late into the evening, long after typical business hours to support this employee. None of this really falls under the job description or expectations of leadership. However, it truly demonstrates Emily’s commitment to the human component of her team members. We are an army of humans, not robots, and true leaders embrace the humanity of their team, both the trials and triumphs that comprise their existence. I am honored and humbled to count Emily among my leadership team.